Espresso Martinis – Six Twists On The World’s Favourite Coffee Cocktail

Rich, intense and creamy… an espresso martini always hits the spot. This delicious coffee and vodka blend has exploded in popularity over the past five years, especially among those who love a good caffeine kick.

Since its creation in the 80s, the espresso martini has grown so popular that it’s been given its own day for celebration, as 2nd September has officially been deemed “National Espresso Martini Day”.

To celebrate, the creative mixologists here at VIP Bottles have put together the best twists and alternative takes on the caffeine-infused short serve.

History of the ‘Vodka Espresso’

The first Espresso Martini was Invented in 1983 in the hip scene of Soho, London. Dick Bradsell crafted up his first draft after a customer walked into his brasserie asking for a drink that would “wake her up”. So, he got his creative juices flowing and whipped up the original “Vodka Espresso”.

The Original Vodka Espresso Cocktail Recipe

• 50ml Ketel One Vodka
• 10ml Tia Maria
• 10ml Kahlua
• 50ml Fresh Espresso Shot
• 5ml Sugar Syrup

You will need a cocktail shaker and ice.

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with plenty of cubed ice
2. Strain into a tumbler
3. Garnish with 3 loose coffee beans in a flower shape

The Cult Coffee Classic – Espresso Martini

Drinking trends in the 90’s saw the popularity of short serve cocktails being drank in a V-shaped martini glass, so Dick saw this as his chance to modernise his original formula and upgrade it to what we know today as the infamous “Espresso Martini”.

Espresso Martini Cocktail Recipe

• 45ml Ketel One Vodka
• 20ml Kahlua
• 50ml Fresh Espresso Shot
• 5ml Sugar Syrup

Use a cocktail shaker and ice.

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients in your cocktail shaker with cubed ice. Shake vigorously
2. Strain into your martini glass
3. Garnish with coffee beans or even some finely grated chocolate

Twists On The Espresso Martini

We’ve put together a list of delectable twists on this classic sip to get your tastebuds tingling and impress guests at your next cocktail party. All of these twists need a cocktail shaker and plenty of ice.

Starliner Martini

For those who like a tequila twist with a hint of chocolate, then this rendition is for you.

• 25ml Café Patron XO Tequila
• 25ml Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur
• 50ml Fresh Espresso Shot
• 12.5ml Giffard Vanilla Syrup

Mix all ingredients into a shaker and double strain into a martini glass. Decorate with dark chocolate shavings for garnish.

Coconut Espresso

Fresh and tropical with a creamy coconut finish… this is a twist to rum-member.

• 35ml Aluna Coconut Rum
• 15ml Kahlua
• 50ml Fresh Espresso Shot
• 15ml Re’al Coconut Cream

Add all ingredients to your cocktail shaker, shake generously with ice and double strain. Pour into a martini glass and add desiccated coconut or fresh coconut trimmings for decoration.

Salted Caramel Coffee

The combination of two culinary modern classics – the espresso martini and salted caramel.

• 35ml Stoli Salted Karamel Vodka
• 15ml Teichenne Butterscotch
• 50ml Fresh Espresso Shot
• 10ml Sugar Syrup
• Salted Caramel Sauce

Prep your martini glass by coating the inside with caramel sauce drizzled from a spoon. Add all ingredients to your cocktail shaker, shake generously and double strain into a martini glass.

Blackfire Espresso Martini

Thrilling tequila, a rush of black coffee and a fiery dash of chilli – this is the ultimate wake-up call.

• 50ml Black Fire Tequila
• 50ml Espresso Shot
• 10ml Sugar Syrup

Mix all the ingredients into a shaker and shake rigorously. Double strain into your martini glass.

Ice Hazelnut Latte

Indulgent, creamy and rich… the crem de la crème of coffee cocktail twists.

• 25ml Frangelico
• 25ml Absolut Vanilla Vodka
• 50ml Fresh espresso Shot
• 10ml Sugar Syrup
• Milk or Plant Milk

Shake and all ingredients together with ice then pour into a highball glass with plenty of cubed ice.

And there you have it, our hit list of delicious coffee concoctions to celebrate National Espresso Martini Day!

Let us know which expression you’ll be making in the comments below.

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